Bill Edson went to his heavenly home in good company. God welcomed Billy Graham and Bill Edson on the same day.
Bill had a rocky start in life. He was born in Detroit to Roy and Lillian (Stead) Edson. His mother died in childbirth. His father was killed in the Battle of the Bulge, WWII when Bill was seven years old. He was raised by his father's parents. Bill worked various jobs as a teen. He caddied at the Detroit Golf Club and walked horses at the Detroit Race Track. He was most proud of once putting famous jockey, Eddie Arcaro in the saddle! After graduating from Pershing High School, Bill spent two years in the United States Army. In 1960 he met the love of his life while attending Wayne State University. Bill and Sharon knew each other three months when Bill believed this was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. That was 57 years ago!
Bill and Sharon lived in Huntington Woods for 13 years where they raised their young family (three sons); Eric, Chris and Scott. After living in Huntington Woods, Bill's work moved the family to La Habra, CA where an interest in natural foods took hold. The family returned to Michigan in 1979, remolded and moved into their cottage on Elk Lake, bought property in Traverse City, built commercial building and Edson Farms Natural Food store was born! Their first year in business interest rates jumped to 21% and Edson Farms survived because of Bill's expertise plus good guidance and council from Al Purdom and Dick Ford. Today the store is owned and operated by Chris and Jessica Edson – 39 years later.
Bill was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in early 2000. He spent his last four years at the Grand Traverse Pavilions where Sharon visited almost daily. When she couldn't visit because of illness or weather, she called Bill on the phone to remind him how very much she loved him. Bill recognized Sharon up until the day he passed.
Bill was very active in the community. He was on several Boards over the years; Child Guidance, the noon Rotary Club (receiving the Paul Harris Award), The Music House, Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Cherry Festival Ambassador, First Congregational Church Board, to mention a few. As a Rotarian, Bill and Sharon hosted and exchange student; Roberta Oishi of Brazil.
Adventure travel was his and Sharon's favorite thing to do. They traveled the globe – Safari in Africa, trekking in the Himalayas, dog sledding in Finland, traveling throughout Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Israel and Egypt. Many of these trips were with dear friends. Family trips to Europe, Italy and Bali plus sailing in the West Indies, made wonderful, lasting memories. All these trips happened before Bill's illness took hold. Sharon planned many of these trips with a sense of "Do as much as you can, while you can," and "Live life to the fullest." The Edson Family philosophy was, and still is, "the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page."
Bill could be found on a golf course in his free time and never passed up a chance to play. He passed his passion on to his three sons. As an enthusiastic Michigan sports fan he loved football, baseball, hockey and basketball.
Many comments have been made about Bill's business acumen and contributions to the Boards he served. He will always be remembered for his non-judgmental, outgoing, friendly manner; also his unconditional love of animals.
Bill is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 58 years, Sharon (Goodman) Edson; sons; Eric (Lynn), Chris (Jessica) of Traverse City and Scott Edson and Tracy Edson of Royal Oak; grandchildren; Ashton Edson, Lauren Pauly, Morgan Pauly, Lily Edson, Eva Edson, Chloe Edson, Adrian Edson; several nieces and nephews; Ryan Peters, Jason and Courtney Borror, Perri and Paige Neirman, Michael, Tim and Stephanie Edson; Bill's stepmother, Roberta Fyke/Engstrom (passed) of Berkley and brother; Roy (Carol) Edson of Lynchburg, VA. In-laws Marge and Max Goodman (passed) of Grosse Pointe and Kewadin, sisters and brothers-in-law Terry (Robert – passed) Borror of Clarkston, Jill and Rod Peters of Traverse City, Denae and Tom Neirman of Traverse City.
An Army Honor Guard will be present a the service held at First Congregational Church on April 14, 2018 at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior. Dr. Gary Hogue will officiate. Interment shall be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Elk Rapids at a later date.
Bill's family will be forever grateful for the "Angels on Elm" at the Pavilions; the caregivers, nurses and aids are simply the best!
In lieu of flowers those desiring to honor Bill's memory may direct memorial contributions to First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.